Musing – Is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew about Money?

 Hebraic Musing – Is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew about Money?

Or could Jesus be more concerned about our Talents or attributes or characteristics?  In Matthew 25 Jesus provides a parable describing a master who gives “Talents” and instructions to his servants before departing on a long journey and leaving his servants with “Talents”, which are often translated as money.  When the master comes back, what does master expect a servant to have done with the money?  Or are we to be more concerned with what we’ve done with our Talents or our attributes or character or gifts that Jesus has given us? 

Jesus’ parable - “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.  And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” Matthew 25:14-15 NKJV  Jesus left us 2,000 years ago, but he didn’t journey that far!  When He comes back, what does Jesus expect to find that we have done with our Talents or attributes or character or gifts?

In the next two verses, Vs.16&17, Jesus describes what the servants did who were faithful.  “Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.  And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.”   Those servants were appreciative, did right, and had good reports.  Then Jesus gets to the point of the parable.  “But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.” v.18     

He continues.  “After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.  So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.  His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’  He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’  His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Vs.19-23  

Finally in Vs.24-25 -  “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.” 

How did the Lord respond to “talents” being wasted?  “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.  So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.  Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.”  Vs.26-28

And Jesus pronounces the penalty for not utilizing our talents or attributes or character or gifts.  “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.  And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Vs.29-30

I don’t know how to explain it more clearly.  Jesus expects us to use the gifts he has given us for the work of His Kingdom.  What gifts has Jesus given each of us?  Let’s see, there’s Salvation, and family, and Brothers & Sisters, and wealth, and teachings, and His Word, and ………..

Peter heard this message and understood.  “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10 NKJV   
And Paul said - “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Points to Ponder

What are we supposed to be doing with our talents, attributes, gifts (& Xmas bonuses)?

Was some of our money a blessing?  What to do with it?

How would you like to hear Jesus say to you “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             December 31, 2024    “Happy New Year!!!”
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Musing - How Hard are We Trying to Follow After God?

 Hebraic Musing – How Hard are We Trying to Follow After God?

How does Psalm 63:8 apply to us?  “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”  We have been granted prevenient grace which means that before a man can seek God, God must first have sought out the man.  And we know God’s son came to earth “to seek and to save the lost”.  God also put in us the urge to seek a ruler/god and there’s a plethora of world religions attesting to that.

God is drawing man, how does man respond?   “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44 NIV  And “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1

We are all wanting eternal life, or would like to have it.  “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 

God is a person, so a relationship with Him needs to be cultivated personally to help us grow in appreciation of His Glory.  Full knowledge of one person by another cannot be achieved without long and loving conversations, and the process is never complete.  That relationship is very personal, not just something we do as a body of fellow believers.  Since we are made in His image, we possess the capacity to know Him and to interact with Him. 

Meanwhile, the concept of religious conversion has been made mechanical; faith can now be exercised without a real impact on moral life or embarrassment to our Adamic ego!  Christ can be received without creating any special love or respect for Him.  Looking at Holy men and women in the past, we sense and admire their heart and their desire and their calling after God.  Moses sought God and made a daring request.  “Now show me your glory.”  And God answered by showing Moses His backside! 

David is another OT saint who serves as an example of a serious seeker of God. 

How many “Christians” have recognized God and “found” Him, but now that they know of Him, they are no longer seeking?  And they are no longer seeking further revelation(s).  How has this affected or resulted in some smug interpretations of the Bible?  Instead of seeking His Glory, churches are focused on programs, methods, organizations and activities.  Result, they know God imperfectly and the peace of God scarcely at all.  How many “saved” men are not hungry; nor are they thirsting after God?  In fact, they’ve been taught to be satisfied and encouraged and to be content with little, relying on – “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11   And “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:8.

Does our prayer life need to be stripped of theology and focus on the “God that made thee”?  And why did He make me?

Concluding prayer –
O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. 
I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace.   I am ashamed of my lack of desire.
O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing;
I thirst to be made more thirsty still.  Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. 
Begin in Mercy a new work of love within me.

Points to ponder

Have we ever asked God to “Show me your Glory”?

Are we seeking God for His Word, or do we let teachers seek for us?

The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One!

Are our prayers really a personal conversation?   Who are we talking to?!?!

Oh God, show me thy glory!     And BTW, have a Merry Christmas

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                           December 24, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired & excerpted from Ch.1 “Following Hard After God”, A. W. Tozer’s “The Pursuit of God”

Musing – What would life be like without rules?

Hebraic Musing – What would life be like without rules?

I opened a Sunday School class of 10 to 12 year olds with Good News!  “Today we are going to play a really exciting new game.  This new game is called ‘Bokee Ball’ and it is a lot of fun because there are no rules to worry about.”  The questions came – “How do you score?”  “How many points to win?”  “How many players on a side?”   “What’s out of bounds?”  “What kind of ball do we use?”  and on and on the questions came.  The answer I gave to each question was the same – “Whatever you want; there are no rules.”  Needless to say, the game never started.

The moral of the lesson became obvious.  The Bible, both OT and NT, has rules we are expected to live by; and without those rules, life would be a mess.  I asked someone at lunch today “How do you like it when other people do not obey the rules?” or worse yet, “How would you like it if all the other people in the world decided to not obey the rules?”  How does this apply to the messages about rules that are taught in the Bible, especially in the Torah?  Here are a few perspectives:

• The “Ten Commandments” start in Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all these words:  "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me...”  NIV    Again in Deuteronomy 5:5   …And He said:  "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me….”   In both cases “words” and “said” are translated from the Hebrew d’bar which means “a word.”  So what we have been calling “commandments” are really “words” from Father God.   BTW – Whatever a loving parent tells his/her child to do is always for the child’s own good.  Always!
• The Hebrew word for the first five books of the OT is Torah, and it appears numerous times in both the Hebrew OT and NT.  Unfortunately, the word Torah in Hebrew is translated as “Law” in our English versions.  We all know that he word “Law” has a must do connotation with enforcement and punitive consequences; thus, it stirs up in some of us a desire to “kick against the goads” or see how close we can get to the edge.  The Torah with its lessons, history, character studies and “Words” from God teaches us rules for living healthy, safe and full lives with respect for authority.  I’d prefer to translate the Hebrew word Torah as “Lessons” or “Guidelines” or “God’s advice to His children” than to call it “Law”.    That’s just my preference.
• Mitzvot is a Hebrew word literally meaning “Good Deeds”.  In Genesis 26:4-5 we learn “all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws.”  The word “commands” is translated from the Hebrew Mitzvot which literally means “good deeds.”  So, our blessings come from obediently doing good deeds.

Does this explain why my life has changed for the better since I put Mezuzahs* on the door posts of our house?  As I enter or leave the house I kiss it and say “Thank you, Lord, for your commandments?”

Tradition says that the OT has 613 Mitzvot (some call them “commandments”), whereas the NT has over 1,050 Mitzvot. I am amazed at the Amazing Grace granted in the OT to the people and patriarchs.  So, between the OT and NT, which is about Grace, and which is about Law?    “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Heb. 13:8

Points to ponder

How can we thank the Lord for giving us His rules for living?

Does the world want to play “Bokee Ball”?

Thank you, Lord, for your advice to us, your children.             

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd               December 17, 2024    (Reprint of June 17, 2014 Musing)         
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

* Mezuzah is a piece of parchment in a decorative case inscribed with specific verses from Deuteronomy 6:6-9 “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. … Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” 

2024 Xmas

 

^To      Family  &  Friends   

^From    Joe Brusherd                December 2024

The year 2024 was definitely a change of pace!  Last year’s Christmas letter was all about Irene & I and events in OUR lives.  But the letter went out on December 7^th and a week later Irene surprised me by deciding to go home on December 16^th to be with Jesus.  I’ve had the challenging time adjusting to life without my sweet childhood sweetheart.  But I’m recognizing the positives; Peggy or Irene would have had a serious challenge if I had left them.  So I’m the one left, and very thankful that God has blessed me over my years with two wonderful wives, each truly perfect for the two seasons in my life.

This year has been exciting the way God is growing my “Family Tree”! 

Irene’s GreatGrandSon, Darrell, and his brother, Byron, were adopted by Julie’s sister-in-law, Sarah Motta, and they moved from Tucson to Little Rock, AR, only three hours away!  I visited them last summer and there’s more visits ahead!

Susan can be found visiting nieces & nephews or spreading her cheer and Good News at church gatherings all over NW Arkansas.

Jon is working from home &/or commuting to the Casinos in Oklahoma, while Diane has been ministering to her parents.  Kristen is diligently caring for her health issues, while Scott is finishing his engineering degree and has many ideas for the auto industry.

Joseph & Jeanna’s home in Bella Vista is always busy with their five kids and their growing families.  -- Jonathan & Courtney are in Panama City, FL, while his time as Medical Dive Trainer winds down.  Asana and her brother, Judah, are growing; but I don’t get to see them often enough. Sniff Sniff. 
- John & Joy’s family keeps growing.  His paramedic role comes in handy raising what is now squad of five – Adeline, Arabelle, Ayo & Avalyn plus the addition of Anya Humble born 11/11/24; and they all generously give hugs & kisses when I come around! 
- Josiah moved from San Diego to join the family in Bella Vista for now; there are things about California he misses, but he also enjoys family.  (Now I have one less reason to travel to CA, but still have dear Brothers & Sisters at Calvary Lighthouse Church in Escondido that I miss!) 
- Jesse & Aubrie also gave us yet another GREAT Grand child this year.  They now have Tobias (oldest GGChild to carry on the Brusherd name), Ariella, and the newest, Isabella Moriah born 11/7/24.
- Jewelayna is living at home, working and driving so is no longer the baby of the family!

Jim & Annie had a harrowing year.  The tornados that came through 5 towns in NWA messed up their neighbors.  Fortunately their home and vehicles received relatively minor damage.  Jim is still painting & ministering, and Annie’s voice is still found on the Rogers PD’s 911 number. 

Joel & Liz love their Richmond, VA, home but have to travel to see their progeny.  Caitlyn is enjoying her teaching job in Guatemala and enjoys being tour guide for visiting family.  Andrew & Stephanie are Sailors bouncing between Seattle and Japan, last I heard.  Jackson is applying for a role as fireman in a nearby community.  That family has inherited a worldview!

Beth & Kirk are only 90 minutes away in Nixa, MO, so I get to see them periodically.  Kirk is dabbling in real estate after retiring from 15 years as a Cop protecting the citizens of Springfield, MO; while Beth is homeschooling Charity (working and driving) and Faith enjoys hunting with father Kirk.

What do I do?  My favorite ministry is publishing weekly Hebraic Musings going to over 400 of my “closest” friends every Tuesday AM.  That continues as long as the Holy Spirit provides inspiration.

My lead role in the “Men’s Ministry” at Immanuel Baptist for 9 years is in process of handing off roles to a squad of “Fellow Warriors” who are growing and doing great. 

I’m also marketing Irene’s late son Mark’s 150 acre ranch in Oracle, AZ to settle Irene’s estate. 

Meanwhile, I’m dealing with Medical issues, but looking forward to “Bucket List” travel next year!

And the family God gave me keeps growing!

With their spouses  &  Grand children  &  GREATGrand children,
  The family God gave me keeps growing and now totals 52 with still more to come!
That’s 13 Children & Spouses  +  23 GrandChildren  +  16 GREAT GrandChildren.

Christmas has become a season of gifting and …

“The greatest Gift I have received from Our Lord is
a family of this size with ALL of them knowing, loving and serving the Lord.
(I can’t type this without shedding a tear!)

Joe  Brusherd
Joe Brusherd      710 Summit Loop, Rogers, AR 72756            479-644-5262    Brusherd@cox.net   

P.S. When I go to my refrigerator umpteen times a day, I’m reminded of my many blessings.

                 

Musing - How Important are the Trials in Our Lives?

 Hebraic Musing - How Important are the Trials in Our Lives?

Why would James say something this radical?  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2 NIV   Maybe we need to continue reading verses 3 & 4!  “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4

While we all strive to live in “risk avoidance” mode, trials do happen; and number of trials you deal with increases as you age.  Someone once said “While all things are quiet and comfortable, we live by sense rather than faith.  But the worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace.”  Key point – Our faith needs trials in order to be truly tested and grow.

Trials in life come in various forms – physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, financial, etc.  And our natural tendency is to seek instant relief and immediate escape out of fear of suffering.   When all things are quiet and comfortable, we live by sense rather than faith.  But the worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace.

So, if trials can serve a very, very helpful purpose.  What do trials do?

·         They test the strength of our faith.

·         They humble us lest we think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we should. 

·         They wean us off worldly things, and they call us to heavenly things. 

·         They reveal what we really love and value.

·         They teach us to value the blessings of God. 

·         Reason teaches us to value the world. 

·         Senses or feelings tell us to value pleasure. 

Peter advised us – “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

Why is this song so popular?  ♫ Onward, Christian soldiers!  Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus, Going on before. ♫   Q – What’s the key role of a soldier?  A – to do battle with an enemy!

Summary - Faith tells us to value God’s Word.  Trials test the strength of our faith that we might know where our strength is or isn’t.

Points to ponder

What have we learned from the past trials in our lives?

Are we soldiers in battle?   Are we at peace with the world?

♫  Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere? 
    We should never be discouraged.   Take it to the Lord in prayer. 
    Can we find a friend so faithful?    Who will all our sorrows share?
    Jesus knows our every weakness.    Take it to the Lord in prayer.  ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd               December 3, 2024    
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – How well are we following the five Solas of the Reformation?

 Hebraic Musing – How well are we following the five Solas of the Reformation?

The Reformation was a series of reform movements “to criticize certain aspects of Roman Catholic doctrine and practice.  It culminating in the sixteenth century with the establishment of Protestant Churches.”  The Reformers were not trying to branch off from Catholicism but rather to bring the Catholic Church in line with Scripture.

This return to the original sources of the Christian faith empowered Luther to challenge the pope on the doctrine of salvation, interpretation of Scripture, and the significance of Church tradition.

Thus, these Five Solas (Alones) of the Protestant Reformation were birthed:

1.      Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
2 Tim. 3:16–17  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  NKJV
2 Peter 1:21 “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

2.      Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:9  “…not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”
Galatians 2:16  “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

3.      Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
Ephesian 2:8-9  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Romans 9:16  “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”

4.      Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
John 1:1  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:14  “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Romans 3:21-24  “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”

5.      Soli Deo Gloria (“glory to God alone”): All glory belongs to God alone. 
1 Corinthians 10:31  “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Philippians 2:9-11  “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Points to ponder

Are each of these “Alones” being recognized in today’s Church world?

Only if our salvation is by grace alone, will God alone receive all the glory.
If there is something of our own we can claim, then we no longer boast in Christ alone.

♫  In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song. ….
       My comforter, my all in all. Here in the love of Christ I stand.  ♫  

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                           November 26, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Do Christians and Jews think alike?

 Hebraic Musing – Do Christians and Jews think alike?

The bottom-line answer is “NO”; and the list of differences is long, but very interesting! This is a strange musing coming from the author of a book “Hebraic Insights, a series of messages explaining the Hebrew roots of Christian faith.”   Christians who are frustrated trying to explain their faith to Jewish friends might find this one to be either a “musing” or “amusing” (pun intended).  Let’s explore four areas:

1.      Scripture interpretation.

2.      Salvation and Evangelism.

3.      Commandments and Laws.

4.      Customs and Traditions.

After stating the traditional Christian (C) view, consider the common but contrasting Jewish (J) or Hebraic view or thought process.  Each topic could trigger a whole discussion, so for the sake of brevity we will state simple one-liners, recognizing that a simple statement of tendencies does not describe the entire population.  And I confess that I am not always sure which view is the correct one!  What can we learn from each other?  Could some of these differing views make good discussion topics?

1.   Scripture interpretations:    We have a Common bond – We share a Book and a Hope; however, the book that unites us, also divides us, because we interpret its meanings and terms in different ways.

·      (C) Christianity believes its interpretation of the Written Word is correct.
(J)  Jews are willing to acknowledge there are different interpretations of the Written Word.

·      (C) Bible or written word contains all we need. Oral tradition emphasis is seen as nullifying the Written Torah.  And Christians have the Holy Spirit providing guidance.
(J)  Oral tradition is necessary since written word does not interpret ‘how to’ honor God’s commandments.  Oral tradition explains unclear things in the Written Torah, like how to keep the Sabbath Holy.  And since the temple is gone and the era of the prophets has passed, the Rabbinic laws provide guidance.

·      (C) Jerusalem/Israel belongs to the Jews, so it needs to be claimed & defended for Christ’s return.
(J)  Israel is homeland to Palestinian and others, so we need to provide for our moral responsibility to Arab peoples.

·      (C) Christ’s return requires restoration of the Land to Israel.  We must reclaim the Temple Mount in order for Yeshua to have a place to return to.
(J)  The Messiah does not need the land in order to return. The Messiah will come where-ever and when-ever and how-ever God wants him to come.

·      (C) Jews believe we need to rebuild the temple and resume the sacrificial atonement rituals.
(J)  The exact location of the original temple is uncertain, so rebuilding it to God’s specification is impossible and the ‘third temple’ will appear supernaturally in a pillar of fire from heaven.

·      (C) Replacement or ‘fulfillment’ theology puts the ‘Christian church’ as the ‘apple of God’s eye.
(J)  The Jews, Sons of Israel, have not been replaced by the Christian Church.  God has not changed His mind!

·      (C) Belief in the Trinity – triune nature of God.
(J)  Cannot conceive of God incarnate in a human being.

·      (C) Isaiah 53 is about a man, Yeshua’s coming. The Suffering Servant in Isaiah 52-53 is Yeshua.
(J)  Isaiah 53 is about persecution of a Nation “All that is hostile to the godly and the goodly will be hostile to you.”

·      (C) After the destruction of the temple, Jews no longer have opportunity for atonement for their sins.
(J)  He sacrificial rites had been replaced by a higher form of divine worship, prayer and repentance.

·      (C) Jesus is the Redeemer; thus, He started the Messianic Age.  Jesus, as Son of God, is the hoped for Messiah.
(J)  The definition of Messiah is a person appointed, and thus anointed for a specific task – a man! God is the Redeemer, the Messianic Age will mean the end of foreign oppression, bringing universal peace.  The issue being raised is about the definition and/or function of the Messiah?

 

2.   Salvation: This word has a variety of definitional interpretations.

·      (C) Christians are duty bound to evangelize Jews.
(J) Jews are not evangelizing, they are already chosen!

·      (C) Saved by Yeshua's sacrificial death on the cross. Salvation comes only by accepting Yeshua as the incarnate Son of God.
(J) Salvation comes through genuine repentance and returning to Adonai.  There is no atonement without meaningful repentance.  The sacrificial system was temporal and secondary to ‘repentance.’

·      (C) You are condemned if you do not share my faith.
(J) You are not condemned for not sharing mine.

·      (C) There is one path to salvation.
(J) There are parallel paths to God and salvation – united by common origins, but profoundly divided by their development.

·      (C) Faith in Jesus determines the future state of my soul.
(J) God wants me to live my life here & now.

·      (C) Personal Salvation is permanent – Eternal Security without regard to the life one lives.
(J) Salvation is a corporate or community issue (for Sons of Israel and Jerusalem); not a ‘selfish’ individual issue.

·      (C) Christians are saved individually, with focus on the individual relationship.
(J) A Jew is saved because he/she leads a way of life in keeping with God’s commandments.

·      (C) Christians often say they want Jews to “Convert.”
(J) Jews interpret that, justifiably, as being asked to give up their Jewish heritage and traditions.

·      (C) All who do not accept Jesus are condemned to Hell.
(J) God’s nature will not punish someone for incapacity due to lack of knowledge.

·      (C) Man is inherently ‘bad’; because of ‘original sin’ man is born a sinner.
(J) Man is ‘good’; but has capability to sin via freedom of choice and is inclined to make mistakes.

 

3.   Commandments/obedience/good deeds:  Are we looking at good deeds or mandated ‘Laws’?

·      (C) Keeping commandments is a chore.
(J) Keeping commandments is not a chore, but a source of joy and beauty ennobling our lives.

·      (C) Faith in God is more important than our deeds.
(J) Halakah (‘way of walking’) is more important than belief in God.

·      (C) Sunday is the Lord’s Day, our Sabbath.
(J) Sabbath was given by God in His Word as the seventh day of the week, starting at sunset of the sixth day (not at midnight at the end of the seventh day).

 

4.   Traditions:

·      (C) Jews who believe in Jesus, Yeshua, as the Messiah are still Jews or “Messianic Jews” or “Completed Jews.”
(J) If a Jew accepts Christian concepts of Incarnation, Salvific Sacrifice of Crucifixion and the Trinity then they cannot be Jews – these ideas are incompatible with normative Jewish teaching.  Therefore they become and should be called ‘Christians’.

·      (C) Pharisees are the ‘bad guys’ of the bible.
(J) Yeshua was aligned with the Pharisees, and was respected by many Pharisees.

·      (C) Strive for Prosperity and Health.
(J) Strive for Holiness.

·      (C) Holidays are to be celebrated as time-honored traditions.
(J) We need to celebrate the Feasts as God commanded.

·      (C) Separate views - God of O.T.  and God of N.T.
(J) Same God.

·      (C) Taught to ‘love our enemies.’
(J) Taught not to have enemies.

·      (C) Man is inherently evil – heart is evil thus we require cleansing to go to heaven.
(J) Man is good, thus repentance is needed to return to holiness; no need to deal with ‘original sin.’

 

Points to ponder

Would some of these differing views make good discussion topics?

Interesting -- both Christians and Jews have so much Love and Respect for one another!

Similarly, Churchill said “The British and the Americans represent
 two great nations separated by a common language”.

♫  Jew and Gentile, one in Messiah, One in Yeshua, one in the olive tree. …  One in Yeshua's love.
Help us Father, to love one another, With humble hearts, Forgiving each other, Heal our wounds, bind us together, So the world might believe.…  ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                       November 19, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Notes – Reprint of a July 2011 Hebraic Musing. 
This list was first assembled in 2007 and has grown with inputs from multiple sources.